MICHAEL GAU
Founder & CEO
Michael Gau has extensive experience in the financial services sector at the management and executive level that including operational and sales management activities for national companies. He had a key management role with a major insurer, prior to joining the Empire Financial Group in 1999 as Executive Account Manager in British Columbia. He is also the founder, CEO and President of Win Succession Inc. Michael has been actively assisting Advisors in transitioning their insurance and investment books for over 15 years. In doing so he has gained a wealth of experience recognizing and dealing with the challenges advisors face preparing for retirement and eventual succession. Michael is Past President of the Vancouver Chapter of the Managers Association of Financial Advisors of Canada, Past President of GAMA Canada and recently concluded terms on both the Advocis Board of Directors Vancouver Fraser Valley Chapter and the Advocis National Board. He was also a two-term Board member of the Advocis Protection Agency. In addition to a wealth of experience in the for-profit sector, Michael has also been strongly involved at the community level, most recently as the President of the Burnaby Chamber of Commerce, where he revitalized a struggling organization and helped it become one of the strongest Chambers in Western Canada.
RAE-ELLA PRATT
Office Administrator
Rae-Ella has been in office administration for 20+ years. She has exceptional administrative experiences in advising and assisting roles in management and business operations. She is very detailed oriented and highly analytical with demonstrated ability to quickly learn new processes and procedures. Rae-Ella has excellent organizational ability to excel in results driven and client-focused services environment but also has a diverse acumen in business development, project management, organizational and change management.
STEPHEN BIRINGER
Chief Operating Officer
Stephen has over 20 years of experience leading customer service and operations teams in the Canadian financial services industry.
In his 11 years with a large Canadian life insurance company, he held three different leadership roles, including Vice President, Operations, where he led operations and customer service for both individual and group lines of business, as well as Vice President, Retail Business Development where he built the organization’s captive distribution channel with a digital-first approach to sales. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA from Concordia University. Previous roles include operations leadership roles with two Canadian banks and a mutual fund company.
Fluently bilingual in both official languages, Stephen spent several years in the hotel business and was once the Front Office Manager at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Montreal. His strong leadership skills, customer service and employee focus, and effortless approachability make him a trusted and effective leader in the industry.
ANDRE POCIURKO MDRT, BCOMM ECONOMICS
Financial Advisor
Andre has extensive knowledge of insurance and investment products. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 2001 with a Bachelor of Economics degree. He began his career with CIBC in their RRSP first-time Home Buyers program and moved on to work as a Mutual Fund advisor and manager. He also worked with RBC managing employee investments in RBC’s Stock and Share ownership program. Andre is one of an elite group of professional advisors that have achieved the Financial Services Industry’s prestigious award of Member of the Million Dollar Round Table
CRAIG ANHELIGER CFP, CLU
Financial Advisor
Craig was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and moved to St. Albert, Alberta, when he was 5. He attended Grant McEwan College for 2 years, then transferred to the University of Lethbridge to study Management with a major in economics and finance. Craig joined the financial service industry in 2013, where he started as a client services advisor and consultant with a large Canadian financial firm. He completed the coveted CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation in 2016 and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation in 2018. Craig is an accomplished advisor with extensive knowledge of insurance, investment, tax, and estate planning.
STEVE BOWMAN
Financial Advisor
Since 2005, Steve Bowman has worked with clients to help them achieve their financial and insurance goals. “ I am a conservative advisor doing my best to protect and maximize my clients investments.” If it is RSP’s, RIF’s, Non Registered, GIC’s or TFSA’s, I pride myself on solid advise and have extensive experience with retirement and succession planning. Commitment to client service and relationships are of utmost importance to me and I look forward to working with you.
ALIM KASSAM
Financial Advisor
Alim was born in Abbotsford BC, Alim’s career started with Sun Life Financial in 2009, holding various management roles within the company. Alim co-founded A&P Blueprint Group, with a vision to create a vertically integrated financial services company that was focused on securing the financial future of his clients. His expertise centres around alleviating the financial tax burden many Business Owners face, allowing them to focus on what they truly do best – successfully run their businesses. Blueprint Group. Outside of his dedication to A&P, Alim enjoys hiking, camping, and coaching academy soccer. He is committed to sharing his success with the community and supporting numerous charities close to his heart.
PATRICK EPP
Financial Advisor
Prior to becoming a Health and Dental Benefits specialist in 2015, Patrick spent 12 years building businesses. As a broker who deals with all insurers, Patrick Epp’s experience allows him the customization, freedom, and flexibility in pricing for his clientele. Focusing on what is most important to them granted him the ability to provide a custom-designed group benefits plan that suits the needs of the companies he works with. Patrick works closely with his father Norm, who has been in the business for over 40 years and is excited about being able to provide this service – particularly with regard to PHSP. Patrick spends his free time with his two boys and wife exploring the great outdoors with a focus on giving back locally.